Uncertainty slows free-agent activity

The weeks following the World Series are usually a time of free-agent signings or, at the very least, aggressive negotiating between teams and agents.

But this year promises to be different because of the uncertainty surrounding baseball's plans to contract two teams and hold a dispersal draft.

"We're operating in a `Twilight Zone,'" agent Adam Katz said. "Some teams are being aggressive, some are laying back. I know Andy and Jim, and I guarantee they're being pro-active."

Yes and no.

Cubs President Andy MacPhail and Vice President Jim Hendry have had several conversations with Katz regarding Delino DeShields, who hit .276 after being acquired in July.

The Cubs want to re-sign the versatile DeShields to a one-year deal to buy time for Triple-A second baseman Bobby Hill, who posted a .413 on-base percentage in the Arizona Fall League despite being bothered by a lingering hamstring injury.

But the Cubs have not begun negotiating with higher-priced free agents such as Rondell White and Ricky Gutierrez as they wait to see how labor issues are sorted out.

The Cubs expect outfielder Michael Tucker to exercise his option to return for $2.25 million in 2002 and $2.75 million in 2003. Tucker figures to compete for the starting job in center field with Corey Patterson, who is batting .310 with three homers in 24 games for Los Mochis of the Mexican Pacific League.

Sosa's sadness: Sammy Sosa said his native Dominican Republic was "devastated" by news of Monday's American Airlines crash that left 268 dead. The flight was en route to Santo Domingo. "We're still waiting for all the names," Sosa said in a statement. "It's such a tragedy."

Sosa, who turned 33 on Monday, said "now I will associate tragedy with my birthday."

Sosa also commented on Mark McGwire's retirement, saying: "The way he declined the money from the Cardinals so that they can bring someone else in to replace him . . . that's a class act."

Spring schedule: The White Sox and Cubs will meet four times next spring, with the first game March 5. The Sox will conclude their spring schedule with two exhibitions at Miller Park in Milwaukee on March 29-30 and one at Pac Bell Park on March 31 to play San Francisco.